Most every job IÕve had, every client IÕve earned and every person IÕve hired has come through a personal network that took years to build. Lots of hand-shaking É lots of biz-card swapping É lots of rolling up sleeves and working on pro bono projects.

This isnÕt rocket science to anyone whoÕs been out in the "real world" for any length of time, but those whoÕve just stepped out of one of AtlantaÕs many institutions of greater creative learning may want some assurance that networking yields dividends. After all, thereÕs only so many hors d'oeuvres and awkward first meetings any one person can take.

The good word is, networking does work. Here are some tips for getting started.

- Carry a stack of business cards Even if you donÕt have the time, talent or budget to create a 3 _ x 2" work of art, you should have something. You can print a ridiculous amount of business cards for next to nothing at superstores like Staples and Office Depot.

- Put your work online If youÕve spent the night in a starched-up shirt and an ill-fitting tie, shaking hands and exchanging business cards, you want people to find your work. A digital portfolio that can be accessed immediately is almost better than the real thing.

- Do lunch ThereÕs a great networking book out right now called "Never Eat Alone." ThatÕs great advice, especially if you can get someone else to pick up the check. Put some time on your schedule and a little extra cash in your bank account and treat an industry insider to lunch as often as you can.

- Read Oz Magazine Nothing like a shameless product endorsement to please the editors. Industry publications not only make great summer reading, they help you place faces with the names of creative movers and shakers.

- Volunteer Volunteering doesnÕt always mean hammering two-by-fours for Habitat for Humanity. From films and theater presentations to public works projects, Atlanta offers an abundance of opportunities for professionals to work together. And the really great thing about volunteering is they donÕt feel like networking events.

- Networking The good thing about networking is É it works. Even if the people you meet at meet-and-greets canÕt help you, chances are theyÕll know someone who can. And as dorky, sentimental and silly as it may seem, theyÕre also great places to meet new lifelong friends, particularly for pro-bono or volunteer projects where you get a chance to work with, and get to know, your teammates.